Children living on this island in Scotland will fly to school – a journey believed to be the shortest flight in the world, with an average flight time of just 96 seconds!
According to the Guinness World Records, this is the shortest scheduled airline service in the world, with a flight path from Papa Westray to Westray in the Orkney Islands of Scotland taking only 96 seconds, covering a distance of just 1.7 miles (2.7 km). On a clear day, with favorable winds and light luggage, the flight can take as little as 47 seconds.
Every day, six teenagers will fly via Loganair to the Westray Secondary School after the local ferry service stops operating.
Holly Crocker, Leanne Cursiter, Solan and Cassia Dodman, Shane Hourston, and Rowan Pierce, all aged 13-14, will take the 96-second flight to school.
This world’s shortest flight was first operated in 1967 by Loganair. The original purpose of this flight was to connect the two small islands in the Orkney archipelago, making it easier for residents to travel.
Papa Westray has a population of only 70 people and lacks a secondary school. In contrast, Westray, home to more than 600 residents, has about 70 students enrolled at Westray Secondary School and 9 full-time teachers.
Accordingly, students living in Papa Westray will fly to Westray every Tuesday and stay with local families for two nights before taking the return flight on Thursday.
Loganair, the airline operating this route, stated that the average flight time is 96 seconds, making it the shortest flight in the world.
Commercial Director Jonathan Hinkles commented: “While this is a popular tourist route for many visitors to Scotland, it is also a vital lifeline for those residents living, working, or doing business in the Orkney Islands, and it will make a difference in ensuring that those children living in Papa Westray can continue their education throughout the winter.”
In fact, in addition to transporting students, Loganair also offers three flights for island residents and tourists. Tickets cost around $30 per passenger, excluding in-flight services.
According to a report published in The Daily Mail, approximately 30% of the passengers on this route are related to educational services in the Orkney Islands, while many others are healthcare workers and patients of the National Health Service Scotland. Papa Westray is home to over 70 people and 60 archaeological sites.
Some people argue that this flight is a waste of time and resources and should be canceled. However, there are several reasons why maintaining this flight may be justified:
Community Connection: This flight plays a vital role in connecting the two island communities, enabling residents to travel between the islands in just a few minutes. Canceling the flight could create inconveniences for those needing to commute for education, work, healthcare, and other essential needs.
Tourism: This flight is a unique tourist attraction, drawing visitors to Orkney to experience the shortest flight in the world. Canceling the flight could negatively impact the local tourism industry, which has already been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
History and Culture: This flight holds significant historical and cultural importance for the people of Orkney. It has been operational for over 50 years and symbolizes the connection and resilience of the community. Canceling the flight could mean losing a part of their heritage.
Efficiency: Although the flight time is short, this flight may be more efficient compared to other modes of transportation, such as ferries, especially in poor weather conditions.
The aircraft typically used for the world’s shortest flight is the Britten-Norman Islander, a small, twin-engine high-wing aircraft. This aircraft can carry a maximum of 8 passengers and crew.
The world’s shortest flight also contributes to the economic development of the Orkney Islands. This flight path helps attract tourists to the area, boosting the tourism industry and creating jobs for local residents.
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Other Short Flights Around the World
The Longest Flights in the World In addition to the ultra-short flights mentioned above, there are also ultra-long flights. In fact, many airlines have taken turns holding this record, and here are some of the longest commercial flights:
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